The European Commission has launched a call for evidence to shape the European Ocean Observation Initiative, one of the cornerstones of the European Ocean Pact. The initiative will improve access to actionable marine knowledge for everyone who relies on the ocean and make Europe a global leader in ocean observation and the development of related technologies. […]
Commission seeks information on EU ocean policy
On 12 January, the European Commission launched a call for data to shape the European Ocean Law, which is expected to be adopted in 2026. This initiative underscores the EU’s commitment to developing cohesive maritime governance and sustainable use of ocean resources. The call will remain open until 9 February 2026 and is open to […]
EU welcomes entry into force of WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies
The European Union welcomes the long-awaited entry into force of the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, a major milestone after two decades of intense multilateral negotiations. This represents a significant step forward in the global effort to protect the world’s ocean, as it aims to eliminate harmful fisheries subsidies, ultimately contributing to […]
Commission adopts Ocean Pact for healthy seas, blue economy, and coastal communities
Last May 5, the European Commission adopted a European Ocean Pact, a comprehensive strategy to better protect the ocean, promote a thriving blue economy and support the well-being of people living in coastal areas. The Pact brings together EU ocean policies under one single reference framework, addressing the significant threats facing our ocean, our coastal […]
EU takes new step to protect High Seas biodiversity
Last April 24, the Commission is presenting a proposal to integrate the landmark international Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction’ (BBNJ) Agreement, which aims to protect the ocean, tackle environmental degradation, fight climate change, and curb biodiversity loss, into EU law. This will also help the Member States with the implementation in their national systems. Signed by the President […]
Oceans warmer than we thought in the early 1900s, and it is likely due to buckets
New study reveals that previous estimates of ocean temperatures in the first part of the 20th century were too low. Research supported by the EU-funded AI4PEX and XAIDA projects has brought to light errors in estimates of ocean temperatures from the first half of the 1900s. In their paper published in ‘Nature’, researchers suggest that […]
EU Mission ‘Restore our Ocean and Waters’: €126.9 million for 26 new projects
Today the Commission announced 26 new projects that will receive €126.9 million to contribute to the EU Mission ‘Restore our Ocean and Waters’ The Commission announced 26 new projects that will receive €126.9 million to contribute to the EU Mission ‘Restore our Ocean and Waters’. The 26 new projects count 346 beneficiaries from 37 countries, […]
Horizon Europe: Ocean models for seasonal to decadal regional climate impacts and feedbacks
Expected Outcome Successful proposals will contribute to the European Green Deal, addressing resilience to climate change (mitigation and adaptation) in coastal areas. Improved ocean models for 21st century climate projections, from regional to coastal scales, and from seasonal to decadal timeframes, will support the sustainability of the blue economy and the protection of ocean health and […]
Three European companies to help clean up our oceans from microplastics with help from space
Each of the CASSINI Prize for digital space applications winning applications leverages data and services from the EU Space Programme to detect, monitor and remove plastics and other litter from our oceans, waterways, beaches and coastal areas. CASSINI is the European Commission’s initiative to support entrepreneurs, start-ups and SMEs developing innovative applications and services that […]